Botafogo’s Clarence Seedorf faces hefty ban

Botafogo’s Clarence Seedorf is facing a hefty suspension after being red carded for leaving the pitch in an incorrect manner during the Campeonato Carioca last weekend.

The Dutch midfielder was heading toward his team's bench in stoppage time of Botafogo's 2-1 win over Madureira on Sunday when the referee stopped him and pointed toward the nearest sideline to save time.

However, the 36-year-old picked up two yellow cards for refusing and leaving in the opposite direction, which he has now been charged by Brazil's sports tribunal for.

Prosecutor Andre Luiz Valentim told local news: "As the report says, Seedorf showed a lack of respect to the referee. He will be charged under article 243 for offending the referee's honour.

"The punishment could be up to six matches as well as a $50,000 (around £33,000) fine."

Referee Philip Georg Bennet said in his post-match report that Seedorf described his request to leave the field through the near sideline a joke, and that the player said he would leave "anywhere he wanted."

Botafogo general executive Anibal Rouxinol said the veteran midfielder strenuously denied the referee's claims and after the match Seedorf said said he "didn't understand anything" about the referee's decision.